LifeSteps 12 DVD Series

LifeSteps 12-DVD Series

Grade level: 6-12. This lively and powerful research-based series, developed by America's most respected teen counselor, Michael Pritchard, combines uplifting comedy, moving dramatizations, and insightful problem-solving sessions to help students develop the character and social-emotional skills to become responsible, knowledgeable, caring, and successful. These 12 engaging programs help prevent alcohol and drug use, violence, and other at-risk behaviors, promote problem-solving skills and empathy, and encourage teens to make healthy choices.

Features actual students filmed in actual schools and uses lively, spontaneous discussions, dramatized dilemmas, topical humor, and the sensitive, supportive guidance of Michael Pritchard to encourage, engage, and educate viewers. Pritchard is a youth educator, humorist, actor, former probation officer, and host of award-winning series. DVDs are 26-30 minutes each, leader's guides are available online.

Series includes 1 each of the following DVDs:

LifeSteps: The ABCs of Emotional Intelligence DVDThis vital program outlines the key elements of emotional intelligence as students discover they have the power to bounce back, balance emotional and academic demands, and make positive choices. The objectives of this program are for viewers to build a foundation for the development of social emotional learning, to develop the critical skill of identifying internal and external assets, to achieve balance by developing an appreciation of the emotional side of life and the ability to set personal priorities, and to develop positive values and character that will lead to good choices.

LifeSteps Knowing Who You Are DVDSelf-knowledge, the most fundamental life skill, is promoted as teens learn how to reflect on their own behavior, learn from experience, and develop the integrity and moral character to resist peer pressure. The objective of this program is for viewers to identify personal emotions and sort out complicated, conflicting feelings; to learn techniques for coping with difficult emotions; to use self-monitoring as a method of understanding behavior and gaining personal insight; to develop willingness to take positive risks; and to make ethical decisions in real-life situations.

LifeSteps: Taking Charge DVDThis critical program builds the emotional skills of responsibility as students integrate the fundamentals of self-control: taking charge of their emotions, coping with stress, avoiding impulsive behavior, developing self-discipline, and managing anger. The objectives of this program are for viewers to learn the importance of self-control and practical ways to achieve it, to recognize personal signs of stress, to develop positive techniques for responding to pressure, and to use anger management techniques as a way of avoiding violence.

LifeSteps: Bouncing Back DVDStudents learn the essentials of resiliency- how to identify internal strengths and external support, build perseverance, and maintain a positive sense of self-worth and optimism. Viewers should learn to recognize common sources of disappointment and loss; to explore the emotions that accompany disappointment and loss; to become more aware of the signs of depression; to identify a network of support during crisis periods; and to increase reiliency through the acquisition of positive coping skills for dealing with disappointment, loss, and depression.

LifeSteps: Empathy, Caring, and Compassion DVDStudents explore the critical skills that make up empathy, the importance of compassion, and the moral imperative to help others in need- particularly the victims of bullying. Viewers should learn to understand others by identifying their feelings, problems, and points of view; to build the skill of seeing situations and events from multiple perspectives; to develop compassion as a core value; and to recognize empathy and compassion as foundations of moral decision-making.

LifeSteps: Creative Problem Solving DVDThis important program presents the Life Steps Eight Point Problem-Solving Program, which teaches teens how to identify problems, deal with them forthrightly, brainstorm creative options, and choose positive solutions. Viewers should learn to understand and apply the LifeSteps problem-solving approach, to identify the actual problem in complex social situations, to recognize the importance of planning, and to develop the ability to predict obstacles and, where needed, revise a plan.

LifeSteps: Getting Along With Others DVDTeens discover positive ways to assert themselves, express complaints, handle misunderstandings, and block rumors as they apply the key social skills of mediation, negotiation, active listening, and "I" messages. Viewers should learn the value of assertive, rather than aggresive, approaches to interpersonal conflict; to develop positive ways to deal with rumors; and to strengthen mediation and negotiation skills that can help prevent and resolve conflict.

LifeSteps: Building Character DVDTeens develop the elements of good character as they learn to navigate the dilemmas of adolescence: what to do when friends are making bad choices about drugs, stealing, lying to parents, and drinking and driving. Moving portraits of courage and willpower are highlighted. Viewers should learn to explore the relationship between values, character, and behavior; to understand the concept and importance of moral conscience; to strengthen resistance to negative peer pressure; and to understand the value of will power and external support in maintaining good character.

LifeSteps: Respect DVDRespect is the fundamental value of democracy in a diverse society. Barriers to respect, such as prejudice and bigotry, are explored as students learn that empathy and respect are the basis of all healthy relationships. Viewers should learn to explore respect as a fundamental social value, to understand how disrespect causes conflict, to strengthen self-respect, and to understand the relationship between empathy and respect.

LifeSteps: Responsibility DVDTeens master the first rule of responsibility: to do no harm to themselves or to others as they confront difficult choices about sex. Dependability and trustworthiness are championed as students learn to ask themselves the guiding question: What is the most important thing I need to be doing right now? Viewers should learn the relationship between responsibility and freedom, learn to understand the importance of personal responsibility, learn risk-assessment skills to avoid dangerous situations, learn to think responsibly about romantic relationships.

LifeSteps: Developing Healthy Relationships DVDTeens learn to build their own personal support system, recognize true friends, foster open communication with adults, recognize trust and honesty as a critical foundation for all relationships, and develop positive refusal skills. Also advances the all-important ability to negotiate with parents.

LifeSteps: Doing Your Best DVDThis inspirational program instills the essential skills of success: motivation, commitment, goal setting, persistence, and the power of self-confidence and optimism. An appreciation of excellence is stressed. Viewers should learn to gain an appreciation of excellence that will encourage the best possible performance, to develop high personal standards and belief in oneself, to gain emotional coping skills for dealing with anxiety, and to understand the use of goal-setting as a tool for success.